Turnbull government fails to respond to Senate motion calling for answers on Williamtown compensation

Greens senator Lee Rhiannon was behind the motion, to begin the process of buybacks for residents in the 'red zone'.

It appears the Turnbull government has failed to respond to a Senate motion on the Williamtown contamination crisis, crushing the hopes of residents desperate for an answer on compensation and property buy-backs.

At the time the Newcastle Herald went to print on Monday night, none of the Coalition’s senators had addressed the matter in the chamber, despite being given a February 5 deadline to respond.

Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon – who pushed the motion through with the support of Labor last year – was infuriated by the silence, labelling it “deeply insulting” to Williamtown residents.

“This is a ruthless, uncaring response from an out-of-touch government,” said Senator Rhiannon.

“Considering how long this has dragged on for and even longer that Defence knew about the dangers ... I think it’s got to the point that the Coalition is not worthy of government.”